THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Whether you engage in strenuous activities such as cycling, running, or lifting heavy items, or you simply want to take a break and relax a therapeutic massage will give you the healing you’re looking for, both physically and mentally!

Research has shown the people who are massaged before an exam or other potentially stressful situation showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system. Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged, that therapeutic massage therapy provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion, and that it enhances athletic performance; as well as treating injuries caused during sport or work. These are just a few of the many benefits of therapeutic massage. In our stressed out society the benefits are countless.

"Often times people are stressed in our culture. Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family-practice physicians. What they require is someone to listen, someone to touch them, someone to care. That does not exist in modern medicine.

One of the complaints heard frequently is that physicians don't touch their patients any more. Touch just isn't there. Years ago massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage. Now nurses for the most part are as busy as physicians. They're writing charts, dealing with insurance notes, they're doing procedures and often there is no room for massage any more.

I believe massage therapy is absolutely key in the healing process not only in the hospital environment but because it relieves stress, it is obviously foundational in the healing process any time and anywhere."

You can clearly see that therapeutic massages are not only popular but they actually help to make you healthier! People who have experienced therapeutic massage report that they have an increased sense of daily well-being, better posture and more energy than ever before.

AROMATHERAPY...........

Aromatherapy is the enhancement of mind, body and spirit with the use of aromatic, botanical essential oils. The essential oils (life force) contain both medicinal (healing) and aromatic characteristics and provide tremendous healing and balancing properties.

The oils may be used in baths, as inhalations, compress, massage, and in diffusers for a room.

The oils each have many properties. Most are antiseptic, antibacterial, disinfectant and biotic in nature. Essential oils penetrate the skin quickly into the bloodstream. Note: that is why it is so important to wear protective gloves and clothing when working with toxic chemicals in our homes and work places.

Essential oils can be absorbed into the lungs through inhalation, as well as through the olfactory system via the nose and sense of smell.

Essential Oils Work on Various Levels

Energy	Oils are capable of changing a mood of an individual or room, raising the vibration, or calming if needed. Most people prefer the calming affects.
Physical	The oils have a direct affect on specific and general body functions.
Spiritual	Oils may be used in meditation and Chakra balancing.
Emotional	The oils trigger the release of neuro-chemicals and may unlock memory suppression.

The typical Aromatherapy Massage involves a combination of oils. A general uplifting blend or a general calming blend can be chosen. The massage itself is a firm to gentle Lymphatic Drainage Massage. The Lymphatic Drainage refers to the bodies system that defends the body from disease and toxic substances. It is made up of a widespread network of lymphatic vessels. The body contains lymph nodes which contain cells sensitive to changes in the composition of the lymph. Larger lymph organs include the thymus, tonsils and spleen. The lymph system moves slowly on its own, therefore it is beneficial to ones health to help move it along so that the body may rid itself of toxins. Another way of moving the Lymph is to do Dry Brushing.

Please note that for personal unsupervised use of oils there are precautions to follow. Find a reliable Aromatherapy guide before embarking on your own.

The following is an overview of one essential oil we have all heard of at one time or another:

Lavender

Lavender is regarded as one of the most useful and versatile oils, generally able to balance and normalize the system regardless of condition. When in doubt use Lavender. The effects on the skin are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing an d new cell growth stimulant. It is effective in treating minor cuts and wounds. Lavender is one of only a few essential oils which may be applied Neat (directly on the skin). Lavender is also effective with colds and flu, scanty periods, nervous system disorders, aches, pai ns, spasms, cramps and rheumatic pain.

THE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE....

Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.